A program at one local school district is so successful that it's expanding.
For one local teen, bullying isn't just something she watches on the news. It's her reality. And it's so bad, she fears being identified. She told us, "The bully was punching me, touching my butt, trying to hold my hand, and I refused to do that, and as a result, he punched me in the stomach."
Her mother, who also did not want to be identified, says she went to the school, but the issue went unresolved.
So she filed a police report, removed her daughter from that school and put her in therapy. In a letter, her therapist says she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, among other things.
The girl told us, "All they're causing is a lot of grief. Some kids are even taking their life because of bullies."
She doesn't go to Perrysburg, but that district is working to stop bullying. At Woodland elementary, fourth-graders get a lesson in bullying prevention.
Perrysburg is teaching the Olweus bullying prevention program. It dates back to the 1970's.
Here's how it works. When bullying is spotted, the student should report the incident. From there, the school will investigate. The investigation includes talking to the accused students and contacting the parents of all involved.
It went into effect this school year and it's already making a difference. Fourth-grade teacher Lynn Cherry says, "I do think there is a decrease. People are more aware of their actions and how it can hurt other people."
Perrysburg is expanding the Olweus program to its junior high and high school next school year.
Other local schools are taking note. Rossford will begin training its teachers and students in March, and Toledo public schools already use some elements from the program.
